Daniel McMahon
Daniel James McMahon was an American multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and audio engineer from Rockford, Illinois. Together with Miles Nielsen, he composed original music for the 2009 documentary film Undefeated, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature on February 26, 2012. Michael Brook also composed original music for the film.
McMahon played, toured, and recorded with numerous Midwestern musicians and bands, including Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons, Miles Nielsen, and Cameron McGill, among others. He recorded with all three of these groups, as well as Trapper Schoepp & The Shades, on their respective Daytrotter sessions. His production and accompaniment work with Wisconsin folk-pop duo, Daniel and the Lion, helped the brothers attract the attention of Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz, who invited the full band to play his Outlaw Roadshow showcase in New York City and called them, "The best pop band we've ever had at the Roadshow." At the close of day 1 of the Roadshow showcase, McMahon performed onstage with Counting Crows.
In addition to his primary performer role as guitarist and backing vocalist of Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts, he recorded and played with Bun E. Carlos in The Monday Night Band, which performed exclusively on Monday nights.
On April 2, 2012, Rockford, Illinois, Mayor Larry Morrissey declared April 2012 Dan Lindsay, Dan McMahon, and Miles Nielsen month in the City of Rockford for their work on Undefeated. Also in 2012, he received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Rockford Area Music Industry organization and scored the 12 minute-long short film that helped the Rockford Park District win the 2012 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
He owned and co-operated The Midwest Sound, a farm-house recording studio on the outskirts of Rockford, Illinois, and was a two-time RAMI Award winner for Best Recording Studio.
On September 19, 2024, McMahon died following a battle with esophageal cancer. He was 41.
Selected discography
Albums
- Daniel Rodriguez Glimpse of Infinity
- High Water with Irene's Entropy
- This is Life – The Lumineers Don't ever change '' – Hanson Daniel Rodriguez – Sojourn of The Burning Sun Echo and Gone – Daniel McMahon Social Distance Daniel McMahon and Darren Garvey OHBAHOY with Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts The Piasa Bird – with J. Hardin Tired Dogs, Old Trees – with Derek Luttrell Here's How it Works – with The Mike Benign CompulsionMidnight Reruns – with Midnight Reruns Final Night – with Daniel and The Lion Death Head – with Daniel and The Lion Can't Wait – with SugarstemsToo Much to Lose – with Ron RawhoofHaymaker – with Hayward WilliamsOne May Morning – with Sarah PrayGreat Divide – with The Great DividePresents The Rusted Hearts – with Miles Nielsen and The Rusted HeartsRun, Engine, Run – with Trapper Schoepp & The ShadesSweet Teeth – with Daniel and The Lion Is a Beast – with Cameron McGill & What ArmyHouse of Doors – with Amy PettyCotton Bell – with Hayward WilliamsMiles – with Miles NielsenWarm Songs for Cold Shoulders – with Cameron McGill & What ArmyHighway Specific – with Matthew DaviesA Long List of Lies – with Josh HartyCabin Ghosts – with Cory Chisel and The Wandering SonsAnother Sailor's Dream – with Hayward WilliamsLong Gone – with BlueheelsLittle Bird – with Cory Chisel and The Wandering SonsMinimalist & Anchored – with Heller MasonCarry it Around – with The New Kentucky QuarterAgain from the Beginning – with The Wandering SonsAlice Street and More – with Breathing Machine